Every road tripper dreads this scenario: Imagine that you’re driving on a deserted interstate with barely any phone signal, and your car battery suddenly decides to go kaput with no warning. You frantically check the trunk, only to realize that you don’t have any jumper cables. There’s no way of contacting roadside assistance or a towing company to save you, either. It’s an all-around sticky situation, but know this: It’s not entirely a lost cause. In the event that you find yourself in such a predicament, rummage through your first aid kit and fish for the aspirin tablets. As it turns out, these headache relievers have a lesser-known capability: bringing dead car batteries back to life.
Aspirin may actually come to your rescue in the middle of a desolate road. Some suggest popping two pills into each battery cell, while some swear by crushing at least 12 tablets, dissolving them with water, and then pouring the solution into the cells. These are primarily based on anecdotal evidence, but many have corroborated its efficacy, including a TikTok user who claims to have used the hack for years. It may take a couple of minutes to an hour to work, though, so it’s not a quick fix. The chemistry behind it is when the acetylsalicylic acid in the aspirin reacts with the sulfuric acid in the battery, it may provide you with just enough power to drive to a location where you can get professional help.
But there’s a catch to using this hack
It may appear convenient to use aspirin to revive dead car batteries, but you shouldn’t rely on it every time. For one, it can destroy your battery, which is the last thing you want to happen. The reaction between acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) and the sulfuric acid in the battery generates acetic acid, which can adversely affect the internal plates, potentially reducing the battery’s lifespan and efficiency. For another, most modern batteries are sealed, rendering this old trick inapplicable to newer car models. If anything, this hack should only be viewed as a last resort in dire situations when you’re left with very little choice.
For a more dependable solution to dead battery issues, whether during road trips or daily commutes, it’s highly advisable to keep a set of jumper cables in your vehicle. They enable you to jumpstart your car without enduring a long wait or depending on roadside rescue service. If you’re going on an extended journey, you may also want to look into investing in a portable jump starter. This nifty device allows for self-sufficiency, helping you get your car running again without the need to seek help from a stranger on the road. With these tools in tow, you’re better equipped to handle battery issues safely and efficiently. Let’s reserve aspirin for its intended purpose, shall we? Let it solve your migraines, not your migraine-inducing car problems.
